University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

College tours may give you more insight to how the campus actually looks, but personal research speaks miles about the University. Look in the academic success and activities avaible to students. Check out coarse loads and average GPA's of the students on campus. Also, have a career/degree program in mind and look at the sucess rates of those programs to help ensure quality education for you or your child's career choice. When it comes to certain degree programs and graduate school, some Universities are just better than others. But as for the best overrall, that is a very individual decision very much dependent on individual factors.

Research - Do you research. You want a school/campus that is just right for you - and for what you want to accomplish. Just because a college has a big name does not mean it is the right school for you. Does this campus have what you need for your major. What outside activities are you interested in. You don't want to waste time or be miserable when you are away at school. Get the best fit and this can only be done by reasearch. It's never too early to start your research either. The earlier the better - it gives you time to really look at all of your options. Narrow down your options, and if possible make some visits. Decide on weather you want to be on a big campus or on a smaller campus. It's going to be a long 4 - 5 years if you are not happy. So do the reasearch and make the visits.

Make the most of your college career, you only get to do it once (hopefully)! Remember that having fun is important, but so is studying -- it doesn't help to pay lots of money for bad grades. Pick a university/college that is strong in your area of interest, this will become vital in getting a good job out of college. Also, employers look for job experience when hiring, so find school whose career placement office is held in high regard. Internships are also important! Pay attention to statistics like: student/professor ratio, class size, and returning freshman rate: these are all reasons that most people list when if they decide to transfer. Don't feel rushed to pick a major. If you don't know, that's ok -- that's what the advisors are for! College is awesome, it's truly the most fun I've ever had!

Look into what college has to offer to the students and rank those offers according to their importance to you to decide whether that college is right for you.

Do your homework and find the best school to fit your financial, social and academic needs.

For the student in search of a university, find the school that best suites your academic standing and needs above all. Check into the academic focus of the university and see if it connects to what you are looking for. Next, find a school that makes you feel comfortable and at home, especially for those students who are thinking of going to school far from their home town. Go to the school, tour the campus, stay with a student or friend currently enrolled at the university to get a feel for the campus life! Check out the housing and food offered at the university. Granted, it is not a huge issue, but that is the student's home for 9 months out of the year! You want to have an atmosphere that you feel you can relax in and connect with. For the parents , be supportive and offer your opinion and advice. When your child asks, "What do you think?" give your honest answer! Go and check out the campus with your children! Check out the university website. Talk about the school together and decide what would be best for your child and most reasonable.

The college experience is about so much more than what happens inside the classroom. What we learn in our classes gives us the necessary tools to perform our tasks outside the classroom, but there is more to it than that. College should give students the opportunity to experience new things, get to know different kinds of people, and learn what the world is like outside of thier hometowns. Involvement in extracurricular organizations helps to develop desire to succeed in students. Many groups that are primarily social in nature also give students the opportunity to network, develop their social skills, and volunteer. Leadership organizations are great for learning how to work in teams to accomplish real tasks, rather than imagined ones assigned in the classroom. They are great motivators because although many times it is hard work to put on events, organize meetings, and perform other tasks related to an organization, there is an intrinsic motivation that comes as a result of passion for the group. It's a responsibility that the student chooses all on his/her own and there is a real sense of fulfillment in that freedom. This is a very important aspect to consider in college choice.

Honestly, it does not matter what college you attend. Your college experience is what you make of it. IT IS HOW YOU USE THE RESOURCES PROVIDED FOR YOU that make your education of value. There are tons of kids at my university that just take what they can get and let things happen to them. I have found that by making my own opportunities and letting the university know what I need to fulfill my educational goals, I have had experiences that will benefit me far more in the long run. The education you recieve is important, but the connections you make at your university are even more so. The networking you set up while still in school will be the foundation for the rest of your professional and private life.

Visit in person because you can never really tell with just looking at pictures or other literature.

Make sure that what you're paying for is up to the standards you're willing to put your child through. Also, look for a good football program that gives the school lots of spirit. A great greek system also is a must.